why do cats twitch in their sleep

Cats twitch in their sleep mainly because they are dreaming during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, when their brains are active and processing daily experiences. During this phase, movements like twitching paws, whiskers, ears, or tails occur as part of normal dream "acting out." Besides dreaming, twitching can also be caused by involuntary muscle contractions related to neurological reflexes, muscle relaxation during sleep transitions, or temperature regulation. Occasionally, excessive twitching might indicate medical issues such as seizures or neurological problems, so monitoring for unusual behavior is recommended. Normal twitching is a sign of healthy sleep and nervous system activity, especially common in kittens and older cats.